Why Fluid Intake Is So Important For Soccer Players
September 3, 2008
Honestly, how much water do you drink in a day? Do you drink more soda water (carbonated drinks)? If you are not drinking at least 96 oz’s or 8 standard glasses of water a day you need to increase your rate of fluid intake.
What fluid intake looks like?
Fluid Intake - is your ability to consume the correct type and quantities of fluids for maximum performance.
Focus On The Right Rehydration
Focusing on what you drink as a player is a very important practice. Generally, you should really make it a point to drink as much water as possible and stay away from carbonated soda waters and drinks that you know are unhealthy for you.
As a player you should carefully consider what fuel you put into your engine. The better the fuel the better your performance. Adequately providing your body the fluids it needs takes a certain measure of responsibility and accountability. A good rule of thumb to keep yourself on track is this, “if not water it’s a waste”. Straight water is the best! So, focus on putting the best fuel in your system.
Performing At The Highest Level
If you expect your body to perform at the highest level you must take care of it by providing yourself sufficient fluids. Remember that about 85% of your body is made up of water and with out sufficient rehydration you run the risk of dehydrating your body which leads to muscle cramps and spasms. Additionally, if you are not hydrating your body correctly you will begin to lose mental focus and thus control of your body.
When you are disciplined to adequately rehydrate your body you will benefit by increasing your mental clarity and body control. With sufficient fluid intake you will also detoxify your body, lubricate your organs and joints, increase your metabolism and improve your overall vitality as a player.
A good and positive habit to get into is training yourself to drink a minimum of 1 gallon of water a day. Water is the absolute best, highest octane fuel you can pump into your engine. Training yourself to drink a gallon of water a day to where it becomes second nature is the practice of a professional.
5 Ideas for Action:
1. Get yourself a gallon water jug, fill it up, drink it and refill it daily.
2. At meals, always drink a glass of water even if you have another drink.
3. Carry a bottle of water with you and see how many times you can drink and refill it in a day.
4. Create a competition with your teammates to see who can drink the most water in a week.
5. Offer your friends water and see how many glasses of water you can get them to drink in a day.
As part of FFC’s series on, “24 Key Elements To Being A Great Footballer” we are discussing each key element in 24 successive blog posts every Monday, Wednesday & Friday over an 8 week period inside the respective Game, Body and Mind sections. For more information about the 24 Key Elements get our Players Assessment Kit here.
What ideas, input, experiences or resources can you share about rehydration?
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